The suspended Mayor of Paphos, Phedonas Phedonos, is expected to appear today, Tuesday, before the Paphos District Court in connection with a complaint of alleged rape against him, dating back to 2014, twelve years ago.
The procedure concerns his referral to the Permanent Assize Court that convenes in Paphos.
According to information from CNA, a question has arisen regarding whether the case will be tried at the Paphos Assize Court or whether permission will be sought for the case to be heard at an Assize Court in another district.
The issue is expected to be decided by the Law Office of the Republic. If it is determined that there are grounds to change the venue of the trial, a relevant letter will be sent to the Supreme Court to obtain the required permission.
Since the alleged offence was committed in Paphos, special permission is required for the case to be tried in another district.
It is recalled that criminal proceedings had previously been suspended at the Limassol District Court against the suspended Mayor of Paphos in order for the correct legal procedure to be followed.
As a result, the case was re-filed at the Paphos District Court, where the alleged offence is said to have occurred.
The indictment includes four charges, relating to the offences of rape, indecent assault, administering substances causing incapacitation with intent to commit a felony or misdemeanour, and assault causing actual bodily harm.
During today’s procedure, the representative of the Law Office of the Republic, Irene Savva, is expected to ask the accused whether he has been informed of the indictment, so that the referral procedure can proceed, which has a formal character.
According to information, the prosecution will request the imposition of restrictive conditions to ensure the presence of the accused during the hearing process.
At the same time, according to the same sources, the same conditions previously imposed by the Limassol District Court are expected to be requested, with the aim of securing his appearance before the Assize Court.
The case was investigated following a complaint by a businessman and alleged victim, by an investigative team from Police Headquarters.
The relevant case file was forwarded to the Law Office, which decided to proceed with prosecution.
The procedure is currently at a preliminary stage and does not constitute proof of guilt, as the case will be examined by the competent court, which will rule on the substance of the matter.
Meanwhile, at 08:45 this morning, citizens are expected to organise a peaceful protest outside the Paphos Courthouse.
In their announcement they state that power does not grant the right to rape and assault.